Cinton, SC- Dr. Anne R. SortorDr. Anne R. Sortor was born on June 5, 1955 to the late Fred Sortor and Cora Lee Ferguson-Sortor. Dr. Sortor entered into God's eternal paradise on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Dr. Sortor was a member of Harrison Grove Baptist Church.
Dr. Sortor retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture-Extension on September 1, 2016 after 8 years of dedicated service. Prior to her employment in Arkansas, she was employed at Clemson University in South Carolina and the University of Tennessee for a combined 31 years of service. She served in an Administrative Executive Management role during her tenure. She received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from South Carolina State University, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from Clemson University and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Sortor was a member of the Laurens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also a member of the Wofford Chapel Humane Society. She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Sortor, her mother, Cora Lee Ferguson-Sortor and her brother, Fred Douglas Sortor, Jr.
Left to cherish fond and loving memories are: her best friend, Fredna Gary of Clinton, SC; her maternal family: uncle, John Lewis (Ella Ruth) Ferguson of Moore, SC; aunts, Ruthie Mae Ferguson and Virginia Ferguson of Spartanburg SC, Addie Ferguson of Roebuck, SC, Carrie Ferguson of Moore, SC; her paternal family: uncles, Reverend Dr. Nathaniel (Lou) Sartor, Leevone (Jannie Mae) Sartor, Alex (Cynthia) Sartor; aunts, Ann Brown, Vera Haney, Mildred Sartor, Mattie Sartor, Ophelia Sartor, all of Spartanburg, SC; two god children, Alisha McKinney of Atlanta, GA and Kimberly Legette of Columbia SC and a host of cousins, friends and other relatives.
The Laurens Alumnae Chapter and the Spartanburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will conduct The Omega Omega Ceremony, Final Rites of Passage, for Dr. Sortor on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC. The ceremony is open to the public.
A Celebration of the Life of Dr. Anne R. Sortor will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at The Harrison Grove Baptist Church, 299 Harrison Grove Church Road, Roebuck, SC. The Reverend Allen Rector will officiate. Dr. Sortor will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family is at the home of her aunt, Carrie Ferguson, 311 Bethlehem Church Road, Moore, S.C. 29369.
J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

~ J.W Woodward FH

Saturday, April 08, 2017

I worked with Dr. Sortor while she was in Arkansas. She was really concerned with helping families and ways we could reach them through Extension. She was always ready to listen to our thoughts and went to bat for changes she thought were important. I admired her very much. Prayers for her family for comfort and peace during this time of mourning.

~ Gayla B. TaylorPiggott, AR

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

I only met Dr. Sortor a few times through Cooperative Extension Service. She was always pleasant to be around. She was a great lady. I'm so sorry for the families' loss.

~ Dana StringfellowDe Queen, AR

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

I am an employee of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Dr. Sortor was a phenomenal woman whom I admired. She was the epitome of strength and grace. Dr. Sortor was an example of true professionalism. We, the employees of The U of A, convey our condolences to her family at this time.

~ Louise F. WilliamsBlytheville, AR

Saturday, April 08, 2017

To the family,
Sorry to hear about Dr. Sortor. She was a blessing and an inspiration to the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. May God Bless and keep you is my prayer.

~ Iria Phifer-County Extension AgentCrossett, AR

Saturday, April 08, 2017

I worked with Dr. Sortor in Arkansas, she was a great leader and was responsible for my pursuing a doctoral degree. She was a the very definition of a true professional and will be missed!

~ Angie FreelLittle Rock, AR

Saturday, April 08, 2017

Dr. Sortor inspired so many people in Arkansas I count myself blessed to be one of them. May God bless and keep each of you.

~ Shirlye HopkinsMagnolia, AR

Sunday, April 09, 2017

It was a privilege to meet Dr. Sortor and to share scriptures and prayers with her loved ones around her.
Rev. Dan Compton, Chaplain, HOLC

~ Dan ComptonLaurens, SC

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Prayers for Anne's family. Anne graciously allowed me to copy her salutation, "Greetings!",in my Extension correspondences. It is a welcoming way to begin written messages. I will thank her and remember her everytime I use "Greetings!" to begin conversations. Rest in peace Anne.

~ Donna DownenKnoxville, TN

Thursday, April 13, 2017

What a woman of accomplishments. I worked with her at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. She was always gracious and kind. She will be missed. - Margot Emery, Knoxville, TN

Monday, April 10, 2017

I enjoyed working with Dr. Anne very much. She will be missed.

~ Valerie TurnerClarendon, AR

Monday, April 10, 2017

Dr. Anne was a great lady and it was my pleasure to know her through EHC

~ Bettye JohnsonPine Bluff, AR

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Prayers for Anne's family. Anne graciously allowed me to copy her salutation, "Greetings!",in my Extension correspondences. It is a welcoming way to begin written messages. I will thank her and remember her everytime I use "Greetings!" to begin conversations. Rest in peace Anne.

~ Donna DownenKnoxville, TN

Monday, April 10, 2017

Sorry to hear of her passing, she will be missed by many. I enjoyed working with Dr Sortor as a volunteer with 4-H. She was always ready to listen to new ideas and lived the 4-H motto, working to make the best better!

~ Anita StevensonConway, AR

Monday, April 10, 2017

To know she has peace with God is a GOOD feeling. Working with Dr Sorto in the Arkansas 4-H Program lived up to our 4-H Motto-To Make The Best Better. She was always working to better herself and everyone around her. Hope each in the family also have the Peace of God!

~ Gene & Mary WarrenHeber Springs, AR

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

There will never be another like Anne. She was fiercely devoted to helping all around her live better lives. It didn't matter whether that person was a tiny Cloverbud in 4-H or an EHC member in her 80s. Anne simply gave everything; EVERYTHING, to the people she served through her work. We will miss the light and kindness that glowed from her heart. Your inspiration is not lost Anne. Rest in peace.